10 Best Things to Do in Atlanta

This huge green space in downtown Atlanta was built for the Summer Olympics in 1996 and has become a national treasure. The Centennial Olympic Park's beautiful grounds are filled with attractions and features, like photogenic sculptures, scenic picnic spots and water gardens. Many of the city’s important landmarks are close by, such as the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, making the park an ideal central hub to meet friends. 

The centrepiece and main highlight of the park is the Fountain of Rings, and its waterspouts that beautifully dance in sync to The Beatles, Sinatra and orchestral symphonies. Kids will love splashing around to escape the summer heat.

Soaring around 20 stories high over Centennial Olympic Park, the SkyView Ferris wheel is an exceptional way to complete your downtown adventures and take in the panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline. You can combine a ride with one of their special events like family fun days held throughout the year, and the sights are particularly beautiful after dark.

From within 1 of its 42 comfortable and air-conditioned gondolas, you’ll experience 4 turns of breathtaking metropolitan sights, giving you plenty of time to capture the perfect photo. There are VIP gondolas available too, which have Ferrari-style leather seats and glass floors to provide the ultimate thrill. They’re a unique setting to propose to a loved one or celebrate a special birthday.

This strikingly unique-looking facility next to the Georgia Aquarium makes for a fun way to learn about the history of a beverage that needs no introduction. Inside the World of Coca-Cola, you’ll find interiors awash with the brand’s signature bright red logo and memorabilia from its rich history.

Fascinating displays give you an interesting insight into how it all started, while a trip to the new Scent Discovery exhibit will really put your sense of smell to the test. Check out the tasting room with Coke flavours from around the world before learning about Coca-Cola’s secret formula in their 3D theatre. End the day with a photo of the lovable Polar Bear and a personalised bottle from the store. 

Atlanta Botanical Garden features more than just rare plants and flowers. It’s an art gallery, filled with sculpted gardens and impressive structures made from plants. You’ll find giant figures like its Earth Goddess, part of the Imaginary Worlds exhibit of 2013 and now a permanent installation, adorning one of the garden’s many water features.

Describing itself as an urban oasis, you’ll need hours to see all the hundreds of thousands of flowers in bloom. Be sure to check out the fountains that cradle brightly coloured blown-glass masterpieces. Kids can have plenty of fun in a dedicated garden space with a bird’s nest-like treehouse. Adults won’t miss out either, thanks to art classes, cookery workshops and flower arranging sessions.

Right next door to Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium is where you can take the family for a fun and educational day out, or a loved one on an unusual and exciting date. The amazing sea life collection, spread across 6 galleries, includes a diverse array of marine life, from whale sharks and manta rays to sea otters and African penguins.

Families with younger kids can enjoy the stereoscopic 3D short film that takes you on a deep ocean journey, with an important underlying message about animal conservation. Don’t miss one of the many special events like the enchanting Sound Waves Music Series, where live music meets the sounds of the ocean.

This high-speed yet smooth cable car ride lets you enjoy amazing views of Atlanta and its surroundings from the top of Stone Mountain, a vast monolith that serves as a Civil War monument. Each car of the Summit Skyride soars more than 825 feet above ground, giving you a wonderful aerial view of the skyline, including the awe-inspiring Appalachian Mountains.

The ascent also offers a peek at the commemorative etching on one side of the cliff, and the operator may provide a bit of fun historical detail along the way. The Summit Skyride is part of Stone Mountain Park, so while you’re here, be sure to try their other exciting attractions to make the most of your day.

As one of the oldest zoos in the United States, Zoo Atlanta features a rich collection of animals from around the world, with a huge focus on endangered animals. Some of the big animals waiting to meet you include African elephants, lions and gorillas. Don’t worry, the little ones are represented too, from tarantulas and snakes to meerkats and red pandas.

The best way to see all of these amazing creatures is aboard the colourful mini-train on a safari-like tour through its African Savannah. If this isn’t exciting enough, there’s also a petting zoo, treetop trails and animal encounters to enrich a truly special day out in Atlanta.

One of Atlanta’s must-try foods is the chilli dog. Original American eatery The Varsity has been serving them since the 1920s from its eye-catching restaurant on North Avenue with its iconic big, bright red 'V' sign. Since then, they’ve added 7 other locations across Georgia.

It’s a quintessential American diner, and the menu features all the classics you know and love: burgers, sandwiches, hotdogs, salads, fries and shakes. You’ll love the vintage décor and the down-to-earth family-owned vibes. We recommend accompanying the simple yet delicious chilli cheese dog with Varsity’s world famous onion rings followed by a mouthwatering fried pie filled with sweet Georgian peaches.

For gorgeous and dramatic views of the Atlanta skyline, including the SkyView Ferris wheel, the Fountain of Rings at the Centennial Park and the traffic down below in downtown Atlanta, SkyLounge is the place to be. This chic rooftop lounge at the historic Glenn Hotel draws crowds from all over the world both for its views and relaxed Southern charm.

Take a seat on its bright and garden-themed patio and try their signature SkyLounge Sour, a zesty combo of Four Roses bourbon and citrus. Their small plates are ideal to share with friends so order the artisan cheese board or dips and chips to snack on while you make lasting memories. Expect live music over the weekends, from 7pm onwards.

Home to a rare and classic Moller organ called the 'Mighty Mo', the Fox Theatre on West Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta is one of the city’s favourite theatres. It’s where you can find a diverse schedule featuring dance, symphony orchestras, comedic acts and various Broadway musicals amongst many other performances.

Even when the shows aren’t on, it’s a great spot to learn about some of the city’s history and how its beautiful architecture was restored to its 1920’s glory. You can even see the Mighty Mo up close with a guided tour.